Determine The Speed of a Charge at a given point

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the speed of a charge released from the origin in an electric potential field defined by the function V = 3x² + 2xy + (y²)z + 20. A 4 coulomb, 2 kg charge is analyzed at the point (1,1,-1). The participant attempted to equate the change in electric potential to the change in kinetic energy, resulting in an impossible calculation yielding the square root of a negative number. The consensus is that the problem is flawed, as a positive charge cannot move from a lower to a higher potential without external force.

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  • Understanding of electric potential and potential energy
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy equations
  • Basic knowledge of calculus for potential functions
  • Concept of charge behavior in electric fields
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  • Study the behavior of charges in electric fields
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Homework Statement


Given: The electric potential function: V= 3x^2 + 2xy +(y^2)z + 20
a) A 4 coulombs, 2kg charge is released from the origin. Determine the speed of the charge at (1,1,-1)

Homework Equations


Kinetic Energy= 1/2 mv^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to use the fact that the change in potential energy is equal to the negative change in kinetic energy.
I calculated the change in electric potential to be 4 V and set that equal to the negative change in kinetic energy, which would just be -1/2 mv^2
However, when I solve for the velocity, I get the square root of negative 4. Have I done something wrong or is the problem just flawed?
 
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I think you're right. The question is flawed. A positive charge will not go from lower to higher potential without some external force.
 

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